A Clown's History of the United States

When writing the script for my thesis, I have to admit I went in blind. I had no real prior knowledge of clowns other than what was depicted in various forms of media. This was definitely a problem. I didn't want my clown to fall victim to these clichés. So I decided to give myself a little history lesson.

Clowns originated all the way back to Roman times. They performed as secondary figures in farces and mime, parodying the actions of more serious characters. Then, during the middle ages, Court jesters and fools emerged, entertaining figures of power and authority. And if they failed, they would be decapitated. But obviously, times have changed.

There are three types of clowns.

WHITE-FACE CLOWN

The White-face clown is the ‘classic’ clown, the oldest and most well-known of the clowns, and is typically the straight clown in skits. This is the oldest style of clown, dating back to Greek theatre. Whiteface is the court jester of the Middle Ages. The White-face is the most intelligent type of clown with the highest status - typically the ringleader.

AUGUSTE CLOWN

In the 1860s, or so the story goes, a low-comedy comic appeared under the name of Auguste, who had a big nose, baggy clothes, and large shoes. He worked with a White-face clown and always spoiled the tricks by appearing at the wrong time to mess things up. This then became a type of act – called the Auguste clown. The Auguste clown is the least intelligent, and zaniest of the clowns. The Auguste clown tends to be the silly clown in skits. 

CHARACTER CLOWN

The Hobo or Tramp clown is the most popular character clown, although character clowns can be police officers, women, babies or government officials. The Hobo usually has tattered clothes, a tattered hat, make-up which suggests he is unshaven, exaggerated features and a red nose. The generic Tramp character is 'down-on-his-luck'. The Tramp clown is an American creation. Charlie Chaplin as the silent 'Little Tramp' clown, brought laughter to millions worldwide through film.

Now, that I knew a little bit more about clowns, writing the script became easier. I knew exactly what type of clown I wanted to make my clown and how I wanted to depict him. It’s crazy what a little research can do!

Chinatown

The other day I finally watched the movie Chinatown. After watching it I now understand why it's considered to be one of the best movies ever made. Directed by Roman Polanski and starring Jack Nicholson, every aspect of the movie is executed pretty much flawlessly; the acting, directing, pacing, just everything makes this movie fit together perfectly.

The movie centers around J.J Gittes who is played by Jack Nicholson. He is a private eye who is hired by Evelyn Mulwray (played by Faye Dunaway) to find out if her husband is cheating on her. However as Gittes discovers more and more we very quickly discover that things are not at all what they seem. There are twists at every corner and the movie constantly keeps you guessing as to what will happen next. It's a very enjoyable ride.

As I mentioned earlier everything about this film is executed so so well. A very special mention goes to the acting in it. Nicholson absolutely nails the private eye character who slowly ends up realizing just what he's getting in to. Faye Dunaway is great as the damsel in distress female character. Even director Roman Polanski has a cameo which he's great at.

I could keep talking about this movie but it would only keep you from watching it. It's on Netflix instant watch so there's really no excuse to not watch it. You won't regret it.